Port-au-Prince in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Port-au-Prince

32°C (89°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather balance - morning temperatures around 25°C (77°F) ideal for walking tours before the 32°C (89°F) afternoon heat kicks in
End of hurricane season means fewer flight cancellations and more reliable ferry services to Île-à-Vache and other coastal areas
Cultural peak season - November hosts the Port-au-Prince International Jazz Festival and various Vodou ceremonies preparing for December festivities
Excellent visibility for mountain hikes to Boutilliers and Haiti - clear mornings offer spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea before afternoon clouds roll in

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms arrive suddenly between 2-4pm on 10+ days, requiring indoor backup plans or early morning scheduling for outdoor activities
High humidity at 70% makes the temperature feel 3-5°C (5-9°F) hotter than actual readings - expect to sweat heavily during midday activities
Roads become temporarily impassable during heavy rains, particularly in Cité Soleil and lower Delmas areas - budget extra travel time

Best Activities in November

Iron Market and Downtown Port-au-Prince Walking Tours

November's morning coolness (23-26°C/73-79°F) makes exploring the bustling Iron Market and colonial downtown comfortable before noon. The post-harvest season brings the best selection of local crafts, paintings, and metalwork. Start by 8am to avoid both crowds and the oppressive midday heat that reaches 32°C (89°F).

Booking Tip: Book morning slots (7am-11am) through certified cultural guides. Expect to pay 1,500-2,500 HTG per person for 3-4 hour tours. Many operators offer rain guarantees during November. Look for guides certified by the Ministry of Tourism.

Boutilliers Mountain Day Trips

November offers the clearest mountain views of the year - morning visibility extends 50+ km (31+ miles) across the bay. The cooler mountain air (18-22°C/64-72°F) provides relief from coastal humidity. Perfect conditions for visiting the Boutilliers Observatory and mountain art studios before afternoon clouds arrive.

Booking Tip: Book full-day excursions departing by 7am to maximize clear weather window. Tours typically cost 3,000-4,500 HTG including transportation and guide. Choose operators with 4WD vehicles - mountain roads require proper equipment during November rains.

Vodou Temple Experiences and Cultural Ceremonies

November marks preparation season for December festivals - temples are particularly active with ceremonies and rituals. The moderate evening temperatures (24-26°C/75-79°F) make nighttime ceremonies comfortable. This is when you'll witness authentic Vodou practices rather than tourist performances.

Booking Tip: Connect with established cultural centers for real feels. Legitimate temple visits cost 2,000-3,000 HTG donation per person. Book through cultural organizations rather than street touts. Evening ceremonies often run 7pm-midnight - perfect timing to avoid daytime heat.

National Museum and Indoor Cultural Sites

November's frequent afternoon thunderstorms make indoor cultural exploration essential. The Musée du Panthéon National and various art galleries provide air-conditioned refuge during the hottest parts of the day (1-4pm). Many exhibitions feature November cultural programming tied to jazz festival season.

Booking Tip: Plan indoor activities for 12pm-4pm daily to escape peak heat and potential storms. Museum entry typically 200-500 HTG. Many sites offer November cultural programming - check schedules when booking. Group tours often include multiple indoor sites for 1,500-2,500 HTG.

Petionville Market and Artisan Quarter Tours

The elevated Petionville area stays 2-3°C (3-5°F) cooler than downtown, making it ideal for November afternoon exploration when downtown becomes uncomfortable. Local artisans are most active in November, preparing inventory for holiday season. The mountain breeze provides natural air conditioning.

Booking Tip: Schedule for 2-6pm to take advantage of cooler mountain air while downtown swelters. Half-day tours cost 2,000-3,500 HTG including transportation from downtown. Look for operators that combine multiple artisan workshops in single tours to maximize time efficiency.

Caribbean Coastline and Beach Day Trips

November's reduced storm activity makes boat trips to Île-à-Vache and Côte des Arcadins more reliable. Water temperature peaks at 28°C (82°F) - perfect for swimming. Morning departures catch calm seas before afternoon weather systems develop. UV index of 8 requires serious sun protection.

Booking Tip: Book morning departures (6am-7am) for calmest conditions and return by 2pm before afternoon storms. Full-day coastal trips typically 4,000-6,500 HTG including boat transport and lunch. Verify operators have current safety certifications and weather monitoring equipment.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

Port-au-Prince International Jazz Festival

The city's premier cultural event features international and local artists performing across multiple venues. Evening concerts take advantage of cooler temperatures (24-26°C/75-79°F) and showcase Haiti's rich musical heritage alongside global jazz acts.

Throughout November

Fête Gede (Ancestors Festival Preparation)

Traditional Vodou ceremonies honoring ancestors intensify throughout November, preparing for the major celebrations in early November. Authentic temple ceremonies occur nightly across the city, offering genuine cultural experiences rather than tourist shows.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight, breathable cotton or linen clothing - synthetic fabrics trap sweat in 70% humidity and become uncomfortable quickly

Compact umbrella or light rain jacket - afternoon storms arrive suddenly and last 20-30 minutes with little warning

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 8 causes burns in under 15 minutes on exposed skin

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - marble floors in museums and wet streets become slippery during November rains

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - standing water after storms increases mosquito activity, especially at dawn and dusk

Portable phone charger - humidity can drain batteries faster, and you'll rely heavily on translation apps and maps

Light sweater for mountain trips - Boutilliers area drops to 18°C (64°F) in early morning, 10°C (18°F) cooler than city

Waterproof bag for electronics - sudden downpours can soak through regular bags in seconds

Electrolyte packets or tablets - constant sweating in humid conditions requires electrolyte replacement beyond just water

Quick-dry towel - regular towels never fully dry in November's humid conditions

Insider Knowledge

Schedule outdoor activities for 7am-11am window - locals avoid midday heat and you should too. Most cultural sites open early specifically for this reason

Download offline maps and translation apps before arriving - cellular data can be unreliable during November storms, and most street signs lack English translations

Carry small bills (50-100 HTG notes) - many vendors can't break large bills, and tipping cultural guides requires appropriate denominations

Learn basic Kreyòl greetings beyond 'Bonjour' - locals appreciate effort and 'Sak pase?' (What's up?) opens doors that French cannot

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities after 12pm - the combination of 32°C (89°F) heat, 70% humidity, and potential storms makes afternoon outdoor touring miserable

Bringing only European-style rain gear - light drizzle protection doesn't work against Caribbean downpours that dump 25mm (1 inch) in 30 minutes

Relying solely on hotel transportation - many hotels charge 3-4x local rates for trips to cultural sites, and drivers often lack cultural knowledge to enhance experiences